$12 Million Grant To Help Expand, Upgrade Science Museum In OK

The Science Museum of Oklahoma is getting a new makeover.

Tuesday, the museum announced a $12 million grant from the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation. The grant will go towards the museum's capital campaign.

"We are grateful to the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation and other funders who have brought us this far in funding our capital campaign," said James Farris, board chair, Science Museum Oklahoma. "We are now looking to other contributors and the public at large to help us succeed in raising the remaining $10 million necessary to complete this project."

The capital campaign will focus on Phase 1 of the master plan which includes an exhibit designed for families with young children. The new 21,000 square foot exhibit will essentially be a "children's museum" within the museum. The focus will be on children 3-6 years of age, however, the exhibit will feature multiple layers of activities designed to educate and inspire the entire family.

"It was obvious to our trustees that the Science Museum Oklahoma Board and leadership staff made maximum benefit of their planning grant in preparing their grant application," stated Fred W. Smith, Chairman of the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation. "With the award of this capital grant they will be able to improve their visitor experience, enhance their capability to promote informal discovery learning and continue as a strong member of the Oklahoma Museum Network."

The second phase of the project includes a new main entrance, lobby and exterior improvements. The entire project is scheduled for completion by summer 2015.